NVIDIA Mellanox MTUSB-1 USB-to-I2C Programmer (Mellanox USB-I2C/IO Conversion Board): This is the official USB-to-I2C programming and debug interface for low-level access to NVIDIA Mellanox networking hardware. It is a firmware-recovery and EEPROM-access tool for ConnectX adapters, BlueField DPUs, and Spectrum/Quantum switches - it is NOT a network adapter, transceiver, or end-user accessory. Condition: Refurbished and functionally tested.
Engineering Context: Bridges USB 2.0 to I2C, exposing direct register and EEPROM access to the target device's I2C controller. Operates out-of-band, bypassing PCIe, network, and OS dependencies. Required when devices fail to enumerate over PCIe or when in-band firmware tools cannot reach the controller. Software stack: Mellanox Firmware Tools (MFT) - mst, flint, mlxfwmanager, mlxconfig - on Linux or Windows; Windows additionally requires the Diolan MTUSB driver.
Deployment & Use Cases: Firmware recovery (unbricking) of corrupted ConnectX cards and BlueField DPUs; EEPROM programming during board bring-up; bootloader recovery on Quantum and Spectrum switches; manufacturing-line testing and validation of new boards; hardware-lab debug for AI cluster and HPC operators; OEM and system-builder validation environments.
Technical Specifications:
- Model: MTUSB-1 (Mellanox USB-I2C/IO Conversion Board)
- Host interface: USB 2.0, Type-B receptacle on board
- Target interface: I2C, 9-pin connector
- Supported adapter targets: ConnectX-3 / 3 Pro / 4 / 4 Lx / 5 / 5 Ex / 6 / 6 Dx / 6 Lx / 7
- Supported DPU targets: BlueField-1, BlueField-2, BlueField-3
- Supported switch targets: Spectrum / Spectrum-2 / 3 / 4 (SN2000-SN5600)
- Supported switch targets: Quantum HDR (QM8700), Quantum-2 NDR (QM9700)
- Included cables: USB-A to USB-B (1.8m), 9-pin to 9-pin I2C (1.5m), 2x 9-pin to 3-pin converters (0.3m each)
- Required software: NVIDIA/Mellanox Firmware Tools (MFT)
- Required Windows driver: Diolan MTUSB
- OS support: Linux, Windows
- Condition: Refurbished, functionally tested
- Brand: NVIDIA Mellanox
Compatibility & Constraints: Designed exclusively for NVIDIA Mellanox-branded hardware (ConnectX, BlueField, Spectrum, Quantum). Not compatible with Broadcom, Intel, Marvell or other vendors' adapters or switches. Requires the MFT toolchain and (on Windows) the Diolan MTUSB driver - neither is shipped with this kit. Intended for trained engineers and validation/lab teams; incorrect I2C operations can permanently damage the target device.
Why TES: T.E.S IT-SOLUTIONS keeps the MTUSB-1 in stock for service partners, hyperscalers, and enterprise IT teams who need a working unbrick path for Mellanox cards and switches. Handling time: 1-3 business days.
